Gossip

Thursday

Jun 28, 2007 at 2:00 AM

By now most people have heard Rue McClanahan, (Blanche on the old sitcom "Golden Girls)," will perform as the overbearing mother in "Crazy for You" at Ogunquit Playhouse. The venue is definitely pulling some fine talent this season; (Sally Struthers and Hunter Foster in "The Full Monty" through June 30). What most don't hear about is the good news up in the offices.

In the five summers Tammy Heon has been the company's director of marketing and publicity the venue has extended its season from 10 to 20 weeks. With it has come an increase in community support, subscriptions, sponsorship and memberships. Much of the increase in sponsorship is because of the lengthened season, which made clearer the direct and positive impact the theater has on local businesses, says Heon.

"It was mentioned by several restaurateurs that have noticed the increased business because we're open later. ...; They've seen a dramatic increase with the dinner theater crowd. So there was an increase in their support, absolutely," says Heon. "Things are just wonderful right now. ...; Their support is what makes it possible."

Portsmouth also has its consistent and generous local business supporters. You know who they are because their names are in the venue's books. Nothing runs without those contributors. If you don't understand the cost of presentation, consider just the technical salaries, never mind performers, administration, materials, building overhead, etc.

Yet there are those who quite directly profit from the arts — close neighbors even — that both feel no gratitude and take the organizations' existence (therefore benefits) for granted. Not too long ago one well-heeled eatery told a venue that it didn't have to give — their location guaranteed it would get the overflow from the art events without contributing a dime. — Shame on you!

A suggestion to those that care about the arts — scan those programs, not just the box ads, but also the columns where the struggling businesses give what they can. Support those folks. Tell them you saw their name. Oh, and if your favorite eatery or shop is close to a venue you support and not in the book? Mention that to. And maybe consider taking your business to someone that will help insure one of your favorite places or organizations survives.

Speaking of support, perhaps you've seen a press release on the Players' Ring's next benefit "Paint the Town Red." This one happens July 7 and 8, and is the brainchild of Sara Argue, (www.sarabellumstudio.com) a local artist — who brought the idea to them. Argue, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, who grew up on the Seacoast, will capture 50 moments in the city and will sell the works for $50, donating a "generous percent" of the sales to the Ring.

"Sara cold-called me at home, pitched the idea of doing something, and then met with me to flush it out," says board member Peter Michaud. "I wish that I could take credit for the idea, but it is all Sara's. I am very excited about this."

You can buy the piece on the spot if you see her or later at the Ring reception. "For generations this city has given so much to its community, I would like to reciprocate by producing images that capture Portsmouth's essence, ...; (and to) The Players' Ring, which I believe contributes amazing productions and opportunities to our public," she says in a release.

"We display other people's work there all the time. We decided for (July) to do ours for a change," says Danica Carlson, Ceres Bakery baker ("and the sandwich girl."). "All the women and Ben do something on the side that is extremely artistic and so they all got together and said 'why not do an art show?'" The Ceres' employee show will start with a July 1 reception. "There will be handmade journals, there's photography and paintings ...; handmade T-shirts things like that." There's also jewelry and handbags. "It's awesome. There's so many people here that do amazing work. It's time for them to have a display."

Michael Tobin has just been appointed production director and new board member for Garrison Players. "I am their new production director, which basically means that I will oversee the GP season, keeping the directors, production teams and actors in check, making sure that things are getting done and deal with any production issues. I will also try to re-establish the quality level of the productions on and off stage and front of house," he says. "I will also be in charge of overseeing the selection of the season to follow. Yes, it is all volunteer. But they have been so good to me and my theater company that I wanted to do this. There are so many possibilities for that space and the Players ... we shall see."

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